November 19, 2012

Bala Saheb Thackeray: The Proof of Leadership is found in the followers.

This was the situation
I have observed yesterday on ABP News when people were giving their obituary to
Shiv Sena President Late Shri Bala Saheb Thackeray.

Bala Saheb proved that
the true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less. If
you don’t have influence, you will never be able to lead others. So how do you
measure influence?

20 lakhs devotees
during his funeral!

People have so many
misconceptions about leadership. When they hear that someone has an impressive
title or an assigned leadership position, they assume that he is a leader.
Sometimes that’s true. But titles don’t have much value when it comes to
leading. True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed or assigned. It comes
only from influence, and that can’t b e mandated. It must be earned and the
same leadership has been showed by Bala Saheb Thackeray with entire India.

When the Real Leaders
Speaks, People Listen

Bala Saheb Thackeray is
remembered as an outspoken man of action and proponent of the vigorous life. He
didn’t become a great leader overnight, either. His road to the Shiv Sena
presidency was one of slow, continual growth. As he served he is various
positions, he kept learning and growing. He proved himself, and in time he
became a strong leader. That was further evidence that he lived by the Law of
Process.

According to Bala
Saheb, every past success and failure can be a source of information and wisdom
– if you allow it to be. Successes teach you about yourself and what you’re
capable of doing with your particular gifts and talents. He was a true navigate
for Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray.

Bala Saheb was examined
the conditions before making any public commitments. I think when you prepare well;
you convey confidence and trust to the people. Lack of preparation has the
opposite effect. You see, it’s not the size of the project that determines its
acceptance, support, and success, It’s the size of the leader. That’s why I say
that anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Leaders
who are good navigators are capable of taking their people just about anywhere.

Deepak Bhatt is a communication, media engagement and publications professional. Currently he manages communication at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of Asia’s finest B-schools. Before that, he was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines.

Current Role: At the IIMA, Deepak

1. designs and implements the external and internal communication strategies

2. contributes his expertise to building an agile, pro-active communication team and its systems

3. guides the online engagement and global outreach program

Key Qualities:

Deepak is a go-getter, someone who brings about significant impact in businesses processes and outcomes. He creates sustainable value and efficient systems wherever he works. His ability to think clearly and come up with actionable ideas has hugely contributed to his work practice.

Recognitions and Awards:

a. “Best Employee of the Month” at BW Businessworld Group

b. “Leadership Award in Project Management” by CE Worldwide

Before his current role at the IIMA, Deepak was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines. He spearheaded the magazine’s growth and reinforced its presence in the region during his tenure.

Earlier, Deepak acted as a Strategic Management Consultant. His transformational insights, research-based strategies and leadership qualities have made him a well-respected professional.